Daniel Stark

Guitar maker Daniel Stark from Oldenburg

Daniel Stark’s dedication to music and craftsmanship began in his childhood. After an initial attempt at playing the piano, the classical guitar became his true passion.

After high school, he completed a year-long apprenticeship at Stephan Schlemper’s guitar workshop, allowing him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic talent. A particular source of inspiration during this early phase, and later as well, was reading about the life and work of Antonio de Torres.

Subsequently, he completed a four-year course (2002-2006) at the Academy of Musical Instrument Making in Markneukirchen (under the guidance of Armin Gropp and Christoph Sembdner), where he graduated with a diploma.

Even during his studies, he attracted the attention of international musicians (Prof. Eric Franceries (France), 2005 / Prof. Jan Labant (Slovakia), 2006). This marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration that led to the rapid distribution of his instruments, many of which found a home in France. In the autumn of 2006, Daniel opened his first workshop in Friedrichsfehn, near Oldenburg in Germany.

Since then, various models have been developed, often in close collaboration with musicians. His clientele includes classical artists, as well as flamenco, jazz, blues, and world music musicians.

Some examples are: Hubert Käppel (Germany), Prof. Thomas Fellow (Germany), Prof. Gérard Abington (France), Prof. Jesper Sivebaek (Denmark), Eric Bibb (USA), Katona Twins (Germany/UK), Adam Marec (Slovakia), Tommy Dupuis (Canada), Julie Malia (Germany), Philipp Wiechert (Germany)…

His unique “double top” construction method, in which two thin tops are combined with a wooden grid, is particularly remarkable. This produces a particularly balanced, powerful tone that remains lively and flexible, creating new possibilities for professional musicians. Daniel Stark (born in 1981) is married to Ramona, has two children, and lives and works in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony. Besides music and guitar building, his other passions are good food in good company and its preparation, team sports (inline hockey and football), and gardening. He is an active member of a Christian free church and plays guitar in the band.